Celtic Whisky Distillerie was founded in 1997 by Martine and Jean Donnay on the coasts ofNorth Brittany, with the ambition to produce whiskies in the purest artisanal tradition: wooden fermenters and slow distillation, over an open flame, in small copper pot stills – exactly as was done up until the mid-60s in renowned Scottish distilleries. Moreover, the oceanic climate promotes early balance and complexity. Kornog is the name for the distillery’s peated whisky expressions.

Why the lighthouse on the front label? Standing defiantly on the open sea reefs just off the coast of Pleubian, the historic Phare des Héaux de Bréhat has braved Northern Brittany’s violent currents and vigorous storms since 1840. This towering stone tower captures the unapologetic, robust character of Kornog’s peated single malt. This lighthouse is continuously lashed and shaped by the relentless Atlantic spray; it cannot go unnoticed during a visit to the distillery.

For this edition, the amateur jury consisted of Gil Firth (Israël), Frederick Maitland (Scotland) and Serge Valentin (France).

This Kornog 2018 peated whisky from Celtic Whisky Distillerie was agreed upon by the jury for its freshness, purity, citrus and peach fruit – and of course, the peat. Gil right out of the gates claimed, “Such an amazing whisky. I don’t need to add anything more.” He especially got on with the whisky’s bright peat and citrus and peach fruit. Frederick appreciated how well it responded to oxygen. He loved “the purity of the experience” and commented on late May to early June flowering notes, a whisky with perfect seasonality. Serge right away remarked on the whisky’s fatness and elegance, noting hints of Caol Ila with its fresh easygoing personality, but with lots of weight. “Nobody can be against this one” he added.

All three tasters agreed on its freshness, purity, fat texture, yet elegant spirit. It’s a young single cask whisky showing signature Kornog character and clean summery peach and lemony citrus fruit, with the Islay hit of peat always present. Conversation even suggested it’s not unlike an old Islay style of whisky from decades ago.

Type: Peated Single Malt Whisky
Age: 8 years
Cask: 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, Single Cask, Cask Strength
ABV: 58.4% – natural color, no additives (sugar, color), no chill-filtration
Bottle size: 700ml

Tasting Note

Nose: Bright and fresh. Citrus fruit, peach, intense peat
Mouth: Fresh, fat, and elegant. Impressive weight. Citrus and peach fruit. Floral. Touch of salt notes.
Finish: Clean and fresh. Long. Intense. Takes water extremely well.

Important note for the USA:
Our US transport partner ships via FedEx. All import duties and customs fees are included in the price. Your package arrives in the US fully cleared with all taxes paid. Shipping is optimized for 3, 6, or 12 bottles, with degressive rates applied at checkout:

1–3 bottles: €55 (€18 euros per bottle for 3 bottles shipped)
4–6 bottles: €65 (€11 euros per bottle for 6 bottles shipped)
7–12 bottles: €75 (€7 euros per bottle for 12 bottles shipped)

Important note for the Israel, UK, and rest of world (non-USA, non-EU) orders: Bottles are shipped DAP “Delivered at Place.” Import duties and customs fees may apply depending on destination country.

📦 Combining orders with Authentic Spirits? Place your order at Authentic Spirits, and remember to check “Combined Order on Amateur Spirit” at checkout.

Please note: Amateur Spirit is a pre-buy bottling. The period of sale is open for 21 days, then closed. There is a maximum amount of bottles possible (what’s left in the barrel). Once the 21 days are over (maybe less if all the bottles are sold), the bottling starts at the distillery, the labels will be printed, the bottles will be labeled, and then shipped from France.